Farm news: Drought aid deadline is Monday

Monday is the deadline for farmers and ranchers to apply for $25 million in drought-related conservation assistance. Farmers and ranchers should consult with their local Natural Resource Conservation Service offices as soon as possible in order to apply for assistance. NRCS can offer practices such as livestock well development, piping, troughs, and fencing. For some ranchers, this may allow livestock to take advantage of available grass while protecting vulnerable ranch resources.

Glenn farm tour >> The Glenn County Farm Bureau, Young Farmers and Ranchers will hold its first agricultural bus tour on March 25. Stops planned include California Olive Ranch, Sierra Nevada Cheese Company and Syngenta seeds. The day will include lunch at Farwood Bar and Grill. Tickets are $35, 865-9636.

CalFresh awards >> Two staff members from Chico State University's Center for Nutrition and Activity Program received top honors at this year's CalFresh Forum in February. Those honored include outreach director Jenny Breed and community nutrition assistant Natasha Paz.

A 'friend of rice' >> Congressman John Garamendi,D-Fairfield, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, received the "Friend of U.S. Rice Industry Award, during USA Rice Federation's annual conference. The group lauded the congressman for his work to help pass the 2014 Farm Bill. Garamendihas helped rice farmers to expand conservation for sustainable water-fowl hunting, ensure the farm bill recognizes differences between California temperate japonica rice and the South's long grain rice, resolve trade matters, and address regulatory concerns, a press release stated.